Crist looking more like a candidate for governor by the day

Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist mingling with Mickey and Minnie Mouse during the Florida Democratic Party's annual convention near Orlando.

LAKE BUENA VISTA - Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is not a candidate for office yet, but on Friday he was acting very much the part of a man about to announce his candidacy.

Crist launched a revamped website that feels like a campaign site, sent out a short video on social media countering a phrase Gov. Rick Scott uses frequently and used the first day of the Florida Democratic Party’s annual convention near Orlando to shake hands with and charm dozens of Democratic activists.

But still, Crist is not officially a candidate for governor. That won’t come until Nov. 4 in St. Petersburg, where Crist is expected to officially jump into the race for governor, but this time as a Democrat.

“I think they are excited for next year,” Crist said in an impromptu interview as he shook hands with supporters as he worked the hallway at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort. “I think we have a great opportunity to do very well and I think we will pick up seats in the House and the Senate.”

Crist was a Republican when he was governor of Florida from 2007 to 2011. He changed his party affiliation to run as an independent for the U.S. Senate in 2010, but lost. He later became a Democrat and actively campaign for President Barack Obama’s re-election.

Even though he was a lifelong Republican before 2010, Democratic activist say they think the party will rally around Crist when he runs.

“He has a good heart and a good style,” said Maria Crisci, a Palm Beach County Democrat.

Even when he was a Republican Crisci said Democrats liked him.

Earlier in the day, Crist sent out the video in which he talks about "It's not working" about how things are going in Florida. The phrase is a twist on Scott's "It's working" theme in which he sends out nearly daily social media posts highlight things that he says is going well in Florida.

Crist is a star attraction during the three day Florida Democratic Party Convention, which also includes U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and other Democratic Party candidates and leaders.

Crist ease with working the hallways of the resort was evident as he talked up anyone who would listen, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they passed through to take photos with guests at the resort.

Check out Crist's video message here:

Jeremy Wallace

Jeremy Wallace has covered politics for more than 15 years.
He can be reached by email or call (941) 361-4966.
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Last modified: October 25, 2013
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